Explore
Hong Kong
tRAVEL GUIDE
hong kong
means "fragrant harbour"
in chinese
star ferry
began running
in 1880
hong kong airport
is the same size as
20 football fields
the peak tram
was asia's first
funicular railway
HOME TO
7.5 MILLION
PEOPLE
over 8,000
glittering
skyscrapers
HONG KONG
Hong Kong is an administrative region of China, having previously been under British control who handed back the colony after a 99-year lease in 1997.
The distinctive waterfront city consists of the main of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Lantau Island, plus over 200 other islands dotted around the Pearl River estuary.
21st century Hong Kong combines today’s hi-tech savvy world with the charms of yester-year and you can explore bustling night markets lit with neon, arts and culture, a plethora of food and exotic flavours, and be awestruck at some of the highest skyscrapers in the world from the famous Star Ferry on a harbour crossing.
Things to do
Getting around
mtr - hong kong's railway system
Getting around Hong Kong couldn’t be easier with the quick and efficient Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system. This covers all major districts in the territory, including stops at the boundary with Mainland China (Lo Wu Station and Lok Ma Chau Station).
Tickets can be purchased online: Mass Transit Railway (MTR) system
The MTR also operates a light rail system that runs between Yuen Long and Tuen Mun in the New Territories. Please note: Luggage size restrictions apply. Details here.
BUSES
Buses in Hong Kong are plentiful, comfortable and air-conditioned. Double-deckers are especially popular with great views of the surrounding city from the top deck. Route number and destination are displayed.
Fares are paid upon boarding, based on distance travelled and exact change is required if paying by cash. Octopus cards are accepted on all buses in Hong Kong.
There are four major bus service providers in Hong Kong, operating across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Kowloon Motor Bus and Citybus provide services around Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories; whereas New Lantao Bus mainly operates on Lantau Island and Long Win Bus covers the area of North Lantau Island and the airport.
TRAMS
Awarded with the Guinness World Record™ for the ‘largest double-decker tram fleet in service’ in 2021, Hong Kong’s historic street trams still operate on the north corridor of Hong Kong Island through Western District, Wan Chai, Happy Valley, Causeway Bay and North Point.
These double-decker streetcars have been travelling through Hong Kong’s busiest thoroughfares since 1904 and continue to be an affordable, inexpensive and fun way to get around.
No matter how far you travel, each tram ride costs the same flat fare and exact change is required if you are paying by cash. All trams accept Octopus cards. You need to get on the tram at the back and then pay the exact fare at the front when you’re getting off.
TAXIS
With the exception of some very remote areas, taxis are plentiful throughout Hong Kong. They can usually be hailed on the street (except in restricted areas) or summoned by phone. All are metered, relatively cheap, air-conditioned and clean.
Types of taxis
Taxis in Hong Kong are categorised by three colours, each indicating a geographical area. All taxis can travel to and from Hong Kong International Airport as well as Hong Kong Disneyland.
RED TAXIS | Red taxis operate throughout most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road on |
GREEN TAXIS | Green taxis only service the New Territories. |
BLUE TAXIS | Blue taxis only operate on Lantau Island. |
For taxi fares and additional charges, visit Hong Kong’s Transport Department website.
TIPS FOR A HASSLE-FREE TAXI TRIP
- Taxis are usually easily hailed along the street, although they can’t pick up or drop off passengers in certain restricted zones. It’s often a good choice to opt for either a taxi queue at a hotel or a taxi stand.
- Drivers are required to use the taximeter and passengers are required to pay the exact fare as recorded by the taximeter.
- Always ask for a machine-printed receipt. If the machine is not functioning, the taxi driver is obliged to provide a hand-written receipt.
- Taxis in Hong Kong mainly accept cash. Some taxis accept electronic payments, such as Octopus, credit cards, Alipay and WeChat Pay etc.
- All taxis are regulated and taxi drivers are required to display their taxi driver identity cards on their dashboards.
- Passengers are required by law to wear a seat belt when one is available.
- Taxi fare information will be listed on the inside of the taxi, including surcharges e.g. for baggage and tunnels.
- If you can’t read the price, the taxi number, or the fine print on the receipt, ask for a hand-written version. 85
- If you encounter any problems while using a Hong Kong taxi, such as suspected overcharging, take down the taxi driver’s name and license plate number as shown on the taxi driver identity card on the dashboard. Then contact the Transport Complaints Unit Hotline to lodge your complaint.
See a comprehensive list of tips for a hassle-free taxi trip in Hong Kong here or visit the Transport Department website.
Getting to and from the airport
Located on the Lantau Island, the Hong Kong International Airport has a comprehensive and well-developed transportation network. One could easily commute between the airport and the city in around 30 minutes with a reasonable fare, using the Airport Express, buses, taxis or hotel shuttle buses.
airport express
The MTR’s high-speed Airport Express takes approximately 24 minutes to reach Hong Kong Island and is the fastest way to get between the city and the airport. Both Kowloon and Hong Kong stations provide free in-town check-in services for specified airlines. Please contact your airline for further information.
TAXI
Taxis are readily available from the taxi pick-up area in front of the airport’s Arrivals Hall. If you’re travelling to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon you’ll need to catch a red taxi. If you’re headed for the New Territories you’ll need a green taxi, and those going to Lantau Island will require a blue taxi. All taxis in Hong Kong are able to take passengers to and from the airport. Fares are metered and detailed information about charges are clearly displayed inside each cab.
BUS
There are more than 20 convenient Airbus ‘A’ routes that can take you from the airport to key locations on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and in the New Territories (including Lantau Island) with fewer stops than an ordinary city bus. When you exit the Arrivals Hall, turn right to find Airbuses and city buses.
COACH AND LIMOUSINE CHARTER
Passengers who require their own personal limousines, minivans, vans and group coaches (buses) can book their transport from service providers located in the Arrivals Hall.
General Information
Time zone: Seven hours ahead of the UK
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
Weather: Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate typical of southern China with hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters.
Main attractions: Star Ferry, Visit Victoria Peak, shop in Mong Kok, visit Tian Tan Budha
Tipping: A small tip might be appreciated in specific situations, but it’s not mandatory or expected.
For good service in restaurants a 10-15% tip is acceptable.
MAKING A CALL
To call a UK number from Hong Kong dial 0044 or 00 353 for Ireland, followed by the number you are dialling without the first 0.
Emergency contacts
Police: 999 Fire and Ambulance: 999
BRITISH EMBASSY
1 Supreme Court Road Admiralty Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2901 3000
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong
Consulate General of Ireland, Hong Kong
20/F, 33 Des Voeux Road
Central
Hong Kong
Fax: +852 2528 9330
https://www.ireland.ie/en/china/hongkong/
https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/china-hong-kong-macao/
HONG KONG TOURIST WEBSITE
Visitor centre
Kowloon Visitor Centre
Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
aNNOUNCEMENT
Starting 7 April, passengers will not be allowed to use power banks to charge portable electronic devices or to recharge their power banks during flights. Additionally, stowing power banks in the overhead compartments will be prohibited. For more information, please check with your airline for the latest updates.
